2014 Unemployment Extension News

12/30/2014: in December of 2014 :
While the unemployment rate may have settled at a 6-year low, it can certainly be argued that the need to extend unemployment benefits still exists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the long-term unemployment situation hasn't improved and approximately 2.8 million people or about 2% of the country's workforce remain unemployed for more than 27 weeks.
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12/28/2014: in December of 2014 :
According to the US Department of Labor, initial unemployment claims declined by 9,000 last week to reach a total of 280,000. The four-week moving average also declined by 8,500 to reach a total of 290,250. The four-week moving average is considered a less volatile measure of unemployment claims.

12/22/2014: in December of 2014 :
With 40% of workforce underemployed, Wal-Mart is notorious for its practice of intentionally low working hours and cuts in health care coverage. While the underemployment crisis might seem like a problem of individual employees, it has economic implications for the entire country.
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12/18/2014: in December of 2014 :
According to the Department of Labor, the number of new claims of unemployment benefits decreased by 6,000 last week, to reach a total of 289,000. The four-week moving average decreased by 750, to reach 298,750. The unemployment rate is at 5.8 percent, but the Federal Reserve expects the rate to go down to 5.2 percent sometime next year.

12/15/2014: in December of 2014 :
Colorado’s unemployment rate is down to an impressive 4.3 percent. That is the lowest level since March of 2008 and down from 4.7 percent in September of this year. Here is what keeps it so low and also why this may actually hurt Colorado's economy.
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12/11/2014: in December of 2014 :
According to the Department of Labor, the number of new claims of unemployment benefits decreased by 3,000 last week, to reach a total of 294,000. The four-week moving average rose to by just 250, to reach 299, 250. According to the report, number of people filing for continuing claims for unemployment benefits increased by 142,000.

12/08/2014: in December of 2014 :
In November, President Obama announced that he will use his executive powers to provide immigration relief to an estimated 5 million undocumented immigrants. Will Obama’s Immigration Action Mean Fewer Jobs for Americans?
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12/04/2014: in December of 2014 :
According to the Department of Labor, the number of new claims of unemployment benefits decreased by 17,000 last week, to reach a seasonally adjusted 297,000. The four-week moving average rose to 299,000, an increase of 4,750. Currently, the unemployment rate is at a six-year low of 5.8 percent.

12/02/2014: in December of 2014 :
These 9 cities weathered the Great Recession and now boasting the lowest unemployment rates in the United States. Out of work for over 26 weeks? Why not to consider moving there?
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11/29/2014: in November of 2014 :
According to the Department of Labor, the number of new claims of unemployment benefits rose to 313,000 last week, an increase of 21,000 over the previous week. This was the first time that claims exceeded 300,000 since early September. The four-week rolling average remained below 300,000.

11/26/2014: in November of 2014 :
According to the Labor Department, African-American unemployment rate still hovers above 10%, while Caucasian men in America are unemployed at a rate of roughly 4.4 percent. Studies show that white applicants with a criminal record are more likely to get employed than a black applicant with no criminal record.
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11/25/2014: in November of 2014 :
According to the Labor Department, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits declined to a seasonally adjusted 291,000 last week, representing a drop of 2,000 from the previous week. The previous week's data, originally 290,000, was revised to reflect 3,000 more applications received than had been previously reported. Also, will Obama's Immigration Order signify fewer jobs for Americans?

11/18/2014: in November of 2014 :
Recently, there has been little word from either side of the aisle regarding a possible extension of unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless. At the same time almost 150 workers of Fusion Paperboard received notice that they will qualify for extended unemployment benefits. After exhausting their original 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, Fusion Paperboard employees will qualify to receive additional two and a half years of benefits.
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11/15/2014: in November of 2014 :
According to a report released by the Department of Labor, initial jobless claims increased by 12,000 to reach a seasonally adjusted 290,000 last week. While these numbers represent an increase, jobless claims have remained below the 300,000 threshold for nine consecutive weeks, the first time since 2000.

11/11/2014: in November of 2014 :
Citizens and politicians alike are quick to gripe about the United State’s seemingly high unemployment rate. Are things really so bad? Take a look at these four countries with outrageously high unemployment rates.
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11/08/2014: in November of 2014 :
214,000 new jobs were created in October. The unemployment rate declined to 5.8%. After ticking upwards last week, claims for unemployment benefits decreased this week to 278,000, a decline of 10,000, according to the Labor Department. The four-week average, which is considered a less volatile measure, also declined by 2,250 to reach 279,000. This is the lowest number in more than 14 years. Long-term unemployment remains high.

11/05/2014: in November of 2014 :
Now that Republicans declared a victory in the House of Representatives and national unemployment rate is at 5.9 percent, emergency unemployment benefits (EUC) may never see the light of day. Either way, it is now up to Republicans to deal with the current economic issues.
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11/02/2014: in November of 2014 :
Unemployment rates for America's least educated workers with high school diploma declined much sharper - from 6.2% to 5.3% because most of the post-recession economic growth took place in low-wage sectors. Here is how this will benefit you.
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10/30/2014: in October of 2014 :
For the first time in weeks, claims for unemployment benefits in the United States increased. According to the Labor Department, claims for unemployment benefits increased by 3,000 to reach 287,000. Economists had expected claims to fall. The four-week average, a less volatile number, declined to 281,000.

10/26/2014: in October of 2014 :
Applications for unemployment benefits increased by 17,000 last week to reach 283,000. Even so, initial claims for unemployment benefits remained historically low. This is the sixth consecutive week that new unemployment claims have registered below 300,000, an occurrence that has not taken place since early 2006.

10/23/2014: in October of 2014 :
20% of Workers Laid Off in the Past 5 Years Are Still Unemployed Today. Unemployment rate among the workers who remain jobless for more than six months is among the most persistent, negative effects of the Great Recession. Long-term unemployment remains above pre-recession levels in 41 states.
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10/20/2014: in October of 2014 :
The U.S. Labor Department announced that 170 million dollars have been dispatched to Job Centers in order to help 3 million long-term unemployed Americans find new jobs. Unfortunately, it is still unclear how less than $60 per long-term unemployed person can help them to find a new job.

10/19/2014: in October of 2014 :
New claims for unemployment benefits declined by 23,000 to reach a seasonally adjusted total of 264,000 last week, according to the Labor Department. This is the lowest level in 14 years, since mid-April 2000 when the claims level was 259,000. The Labor Department has said that no special factors affected the number of claims.

10/15/2014: in October of 2014 :
Will the Unemployment Extension be renewed in 2014? Here’s why Obama and Boehner blame both the unemployed as well as lengthy Congressional recesses for missing the Unemployment Extension bill.
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10/14/2014: in October of 2014 :
According to the US Department of Labor, weekly unemployment claims declined by 8,000 to 287,000 last week. The four-week average for new claims also decreased by 4,250 to 294,750. These figures represent the lowest levels since mid-2006, approximately 18 months before the beginning of the recession.

10/08/2014: in October of 2014 :
Some call them “the lost generation”. Many believe their "wage scars" will last upwards of twenty years and they will never be able to retire. It is estimated that federal and state governments are losing approximately $8.9 billion in revenue each year because of them. They tear at the very fabric of American society.
Continue reading to find out if you are one of them.

10/05/2014: in October of 2014 :
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 248,000 non-farm jobs were added to the economy during the month of September. The unemployment rate is at 5.9% - an increase over 6.1% reported in August - the lowest rate since July 2008.

10/01/2014: in October of 2014 :
According to the US Department of Labor, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 293,000, representing an increase of 12,000 over the previous week. The previous week's unemployment claims level was revised from an initial 280,000 to 281,000. The DOL also reported that the four-week average declined to 298,500.

9/28/2014: in September of 2014 :
Unemployment claims in the United States declined last week, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Initial unemployment claims declined by 36,000 to reach 280,000, returning to a downward trend. During the previous week, claims for unemployment insurance benefits had jumped well above the average trend to reach 316,000.

9/18/2014: in September of 2014 :
The US Department of Labor reports that applications for unemployment assistance increased by 11,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 315,000. This is the highest number since the end of June. The four-week average for applications increased 705. Year over year, the average is 7.1 percent lower.

9/14/2014: in September of 2014 :
Figures released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in late August revealed that Texas created 46,600 new jobs for the month of July. After momentarily giving up the number one spot to Florida in June, Texas emerged as the overall winner for the year, producing more jobs than any other single state. The wide variety of jobs created included minimum wage, middle management, and higher paying positions. The hospitality and recreation industries as well as the oil and gas industry remain some of the strongest contenders in the new job creation efforts. Throughout the month of July, well over half the nation saw increased job openings. In total, 36 states recorded newly added jobs for the month.

9/14/2014: in September of 2014 :
Governor Pat Quinn announced a few weeks ago that at 6.8%, the unemployment rate in Illinois is at a six year low. With the rate staggering around 10% about a year ago, the significant drop is quite impressive. The flip side of the shiny coin is that many Illinois residents are leaving the state to look for opportunities elsewhere. This means that the available jobs are simply going to the remaining workers according to supply and demand. Despite the slight exodus from the state, there are many factors that entice newcomers to the state as well as root existing residents who say they are staying put.

9/14/2014: in September of 2014 :
US unemployment rate is perceived as a major indicator of economic health. It is cited more than any other statistical figure in the world. But now its accuracy has been challenged and here is the reason why.
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9/12/2014: in September of 2014 :

Do we still need an unemployment extension bill? - US adult internet population survey conducted on September 12, 2014

9/09/2014: in September of 2014 :
The US Department of Labor reports that the country has experienced 54 consecutive months of job growth in the private sector. A total of 10 million jobs have been added to the economy during that time. During the month of August, the unemployment rate declined to 6.1 percent, a decrease from 7.2 percent year over year.

9/03/2014: in September of 2014 :
For the previous week ending, advance figures show seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims of 298,000 representing a decrease of 1,000 applications from the preceding week. The four-week average was 299,750, which was a decrease from the previous revised week's figures of 301,000. No special factors impacted the initial claims for this week.

9/01/2014: in September of 2014 :
According to the Labor Department, weekly claims for unemployment declined by 14,000 to 298,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measurement, increased to 300,750 from 296,000 over the preceding week. The total number of people receiving unemployment benefits declined by 49,000 to 2.5 million for the week ending August 9, 2014, the lowest level since mid-2007.

8/29/2014: in August of 2014 :
Sales at U.S. fast food heavyweights like Burger King, Arby’s, Sonic, and Jack in the Box are suffering due to long-term unemployment. A larger percentage of unemployed workers are lower income, less skilled workers. These are the demographic that most fast food restaurants rely on. Less income at this level means less disposable income that can be spent on eating out. Young males typically work in manufacturing, retail and construction industries, which have been impacted harder, and make up the bulk of fast food sales in the 16-19 age groups. The long-term effects of this on the fast food industry could last for years. Arby’s has seen a 11.5 % drop in sales, with the Sonic, Burger King, and Jack in the Box showing slightly smaller drops in sales.

8/27/2014: in August of 2014 :
Job seekers face many challenges when it comes to finding a full-time, permanent position within their preferred field. Some of these obstacles are prevalent across any industry, but there are a few unique challenges that are nearly exclusive to individuals in the skilled labor services workforce.

Changing technologies require continuing education and the purchase of new tools and manuals for machinists, equipment operators, and building engineers. Individuals in these and related fields are often forced to make a decision about investing in their own career or attempting to seek employment with substandard tools, equipment, and experience.

When skilled laborers are expected to keep up with the latest methods and computerized equipment, the job search becomes even more cumbersome. The dilemma is that these upgrades can be quite costly and are often unattainable for unemployed or underemployed workers.

8/26/2014: in August of 2014 :
"Human Capital Dynamics and the U.S. Labor Market" report recently released by Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta indicates that the unemployment extension had no positive impact on employment rate. Continue Reading

8/24/2014: in August of 2014 :
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment increased in 30 states and declined in eight states during the month of July. Unemployment rates remained unchanged in 12 states. Mississippi had the highest unemployment rate, while North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in July. Nationally, unemployment increased to 6.2 percent.

8/20/2014: in August of 2014 :
For the most part, job numbers have been positive over the last year, but a recent report indicates that there are still disadvantages for the long-term unemployed to face (these are individuals who have been out of work for more than 27 weeks). The report, titled Ready to Work: Job-Driven Training and American Opportunity indicates that job training initiatives and policies encouraging employers to consider these workers for new positions could have a measurable positive impact on the situation. However, some analysts suggest that the report does not go far enough in explaining how to engage these job seekers who often give up on looking for work altogether.

8/18/2014: in August of 2014 :
Part time employees of a local New England grocery chain have been encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits. A number of the employees of Market Basket have walked off the job due to a recent change in ownership and state officials are saying they could potentially be eligible for benefits, while still acknowledging that payments will be made "on a case-by-case basis." Many of the workers may lose their jobs altogether if they do not return to work soon. Arthur T. Demoulas, the recently ousted CEO, is in talks to buy the company.

8/15/2014: in August of 2014 :
Weekly applications for unemployment benefits declined to a seasonally adjusted 289,000, according to a report from the U.S. Labor Department. This was a total decline of 14,000 applications. The four-week average, which is considered a less volatile measurement, declined by 4,000 for a total of 293,500.

8/03/2014: in August of 2014 :
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 209,000 non-farm jobs were added to the economy during the month of July. This represented the sixth consecutive month of employment gains over 200,000. The unemployment rate is at 6.2% - an increase over 6.1% reported in June.

8/01/2014: in August of 2014 :
The unemployment extension bill that expired in December 2013 is still in limbo while Congress is about to depart for a 5-week recess despite all efforts of Senators Heller and Reed to push it through. The long-term unemployment rate (out of work for over 26 weeks) remains very high and the majority of Americans support the extension. It is true that many unemployed are fully capable of finding new jobs without government support, but let’s not forget about those who can barely make ends meet and are in desperate need of EUC. Many of them are victims of structural unemployment due to lack of relevant skills after dramatic changes in the US economic landscape.

7/30/2014: in July of 2014 :
In the next few days Congress will be deciding if unemployment extension legislation will come into effect. Each week of EUC extension costs taxpayers approximately $0.5B or just about the size of a single Mega jackpot – a significant amount – unless it is compared to over $100B spent in Afghanistan. This spending would be sufficient to support all long-term unemployed for 4 years. The leading argument against EUC is the infamous “economic research” that demonstrates the destructive effects of extended benefits beyond high unemployment.

7/27/2014: in July of 2014 :
Unemployment claims in the United States hit an eight-year low for the week ending July 19 when they dropped by 19,000 to a low of 284,000, according to the Labor Department. Historically, unemployment applications are often volatile during the month of July due to plant shutdowns.
7/24/2014: in July of 2014 :
Senators Jack Reed and Dean Heller are still committed to fund the unemployment extension despite approaching 2014 elections, fiscal crisis and resistance of Republicans. Regretfully, they are running out of time, as Congress is about to leave for a 5-week break. Meanwhile, despite declining unemployment figures, almost 60% of Americans believe that the economy is in decline.

7/22/2014: in July of 2014 :
Modern history's lowest 6.1% unemployment rate announced in July 2014 seems like a great achievement. Upon closer examination of the true nature of the unemployment rate: a staggering 92.5M people have no job, consumer price index is on the rise and very little progress in extending of federal unemployment insurance (EUC). Newly created jobs aren't high-paying too... (Continue reading)

7/20/2014: in July of 2014 :
Applications for unemployment assistance dropped to 302,000, a decline of 3,000, over the previous week, according to the Labor Department. Currently, the unemployment rate is 6.1 percent, representing a 5 ½-year low. The four-week average for unemployment applications dropped to 309,000, the lowest level since June, 2007.

7/16/2014: in July of 2014 :
According to the latest report from the Department of Labor, fewer people in the United States applied for unemployment benefits last week. The four-week average declined by 3,500 to reach a total of 311,500. In other news, the unemployment rate in June declined to 6.10 percent from a previous high of 6.30 percent during the month of May. Republican Dean Heller is lobbying to extend unemployment benefits (EUC) due to high unemployment in Nevada.

7/14/2014: in July of 2014 :
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 13% of long-term unemployed were able to find new jobs in June 2014 – a significant improvement in comparison to 10.5% in May. Unfortunately, many of these new jobs compensate at rates not much better than unemployment benefits that average $1,200 per month.

7/07/2014: in July of 2014 :
The President may use his executive power to force congress to pass the unemployment extension and get it paid by increasing customs fees and decreasing corporate contributions to tax deductible pension funds. Millennials (age 18 to 29) and women over 50 are the most affected demographics and represent over 50% of all unemployed with a rate 3-4 times higher than the unemployment rate reported in July.

7/03/2014: in July of 2014 :
With only about 10.5% of long-term unemployed finding jobs every month, estimated 5.2 million Americans would lose their benefits by the end of 2014 if Congress doesn’t renew unemployment extension. Senators Reed and Heller introduced a new unemployment extension bill S.2532 that replaces the original one expired in May. If passed, this bill will extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program by 5 month.

6/30/2014: in June of 2014 :
According to the Department of Labor, unemployment declined in 20 states last month. Senators Dean Heller (R-Nev) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) plan to make another attempt at extending expired unemployment benefits. The major difference in the latest bill from previous offerings is that benefits will not be retroactive.
6/23/2014: in June of 2014 :
Applications for unemployment benefits fell to 312,000 last week, representing a seven-year low, according to the Department of Labor. Those numbers are near the low of 298,000 prior to the Great Recession. For the week ending June 7th, the total number of unemployment recipients was down to 2.56 million, the lowest level since October 2007.

6/19/2014: in June of 2014 :
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that almost 3.5 million or about 35% of all unemployed Americans were out of work for more than 26 weeks in May. Among them, women over 55 years old are the most impacted with the highest and longest rate across all gender and age groups. We all need a new unemployment strategy that can be supported by both flanks of Congress. Senators Reed and Heller haven’t lost their enthusiasm to win the majority support in 2014.

6/16/2014: in June of 2014 :
217,000 jobs were added to the US economy during the month of May, according to data released by the Department of Labor. This represents gains for the fourth consecutive month. The country's unemployment rate remained at 6.3 percent during the month of May. The percent of the population in the workforce remained at 62.8 percent.

6/12/2014: in June of 2014 :
Over 3 million out-of-work Americans lost their unemployment extension benefits since the program expired in December 2013. House Democrats have joined a new series of events “Witness Wednesdays” in hopes to force Republicans to pass the unemployment extension bill. Representative Levin remains confident that six-months unemployment extension can be passed in the upcoming days. If not, long-term unemployed will start obtaining financial support through other government programs and completely abandon any job search.

6/09/2014: in June of 2014 :
Applications for unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 312,000, according to the Labor Department. This is the lowest average since June of 2007. The number of individuals receiving benefits also declined to 2.6 million. In other news, the deal that would extend unemployment insurance benefits recently expired over the weekend.

Employers added more jobs in May.
Reported in June of 2014, 217,000 new jobs were created in May. The unemployment rate holds steady at 6.3%. Non-farm, seasonally adjusted employment grew a staggering 138.5 million - highest level in the past 10 years.

6/03/2014: in June of 2014 :
The Reed–Heller’s bill intended to extend unemployment insurance over regular 26-week state benefits expired this weekend. This left 3 million long-term unemployed Americans wondering about their future. Senator Reed expressed his disappointment and desire to continue fighting to extend the unemployment benefits.

6/02/2014: in June of 2014 :
Applications for unemployment benefits in the United States fell to 300,000. This represents almost the lowest level in seven years. The number of individuals actually receiving unemployment benefits is also declining, down to 2.63 million. This is the lowest level the country has seen since November 2007.

5/24/2014: in May of 2014 :
Federal Lawmakers Continue Wrangling Over Unemployment Extension. Less Americans return to labor force and less people file for unemployment benefits, forcing the unemployment rate to fall to 6.3%, the lowest since September 2008. National long-term unemployment (26 weeks or longer out of work) figure increased to estimated 3.5 to 4.5 million. Still long way to go to bring unemployment down to pre-recession rate of 4.5%.

5/23/2014: in May of 2014 :
The US Labor Department reports that unemployment applications increased by 28,000 to reach a seasonal adjusted total of 326,000. California saw the largest decline in applications, down by 7,651, while Mississippi witnessed the largest increase of 1,183 applications. The legislation that would extend unemployment benefits remains in gridlock.

5/19/2014: in May of 2014 :
Time is running out for Mike Fitzpatrick' H.R. 4550 Unemployment Extension legislation that will expire on May 31 if not passed by the House of Representatives by that time.

5/17/2014: in May of 2014 :
According to the Labor Department, the number of weekly unemployment benefit applications declined by 24,000 to reach 297,000. This is the lowest number of applications filed since May 12, 2007. The legislation that would extend long-term unemployment benefits, already passed by the Senate, remains in the House, awaiting majority approval.

5/15/2014: in May of 2014 :
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were adjusted to a seasonal 319,000 for the week ending May 3, down by 26,000, according to the Labor Department. There has been no further action on H.R. 4550, the legislation introduced by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick to extend expired Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

5/11/2014: in May of 2014 :
President Barack Obama plays hard ball with the House of Representatives threatening to veto their tax credit bills if they do not pass Mike Fitzpatrick' H.R. 4550 legislation. If passed, it would extend Emergency Unemployment Insurance (EUI) that expired in Dec 2013 until May 31 of this year. The original legislation passed by Senate on April 7 is now 6 job bills longer.

5/09/2014: in May of 2014 :
Impressive 288,000 new jobs were created in April. This is the highest increase seen in the past 13 months, including 203,000 created in April 2013. The unemployment rate decreased to 6.3%. Jobs were created in a broad range of industries and locations, including many medium to high paying office jobs.

5/08/2014: in May of 2014 :
No new developments on Mike Fitzpatrick' H.R. 4550 legislation that, if passed by the House, would extend Emergency Unemployment Insurance (EUI) expired in Dec 2013 until May 31 of this year. The original legislation passed by Senate on April 7 has been amended with 6 job bills.
4/15/2014: in April of 2014 Update:
The Senate passed the Unemployment Extension bill that would restore federal funding for long-term unemployed 2.5 million Americans that were out of work for 6 months or longer. The legislation is now in the House of Representatives to give it a final approval. If passed, the bill would restore jobless benefits for five months, retroactive to last December.
3/2/2014: in March of 2014,
Federal Unemployment Extension. This legislation will provide six months of retroactive Unemployment Extension, which expired on December 28, last year. There was more than 1 million and now almost twice that number of affected people. 150,000 additional people have seen their benefits lapse in the past two weeks.